This symposium started in 1987, then continued for every two years alternatively in Korea and Italy with the support from Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network (ICRANet) and hosting institutes. Main purpose of this symposium is to accelerate the exchange between scientists of Italy and Korea, especially young researchers.

The result of every symposium was published in Journal of Korean Physical Society (JKPS) or in Il Nuovo Cimento B. Traditionally, the subjects of this series of symposium have been mainly theoretical astrophysics, especially in the fields of relativistic astrophysics.

In the symposium, results of relevant astrophysical observations and experiments, as well as their theoretical understanding will be presented, including gravitational wave detection experiments in which Korean astrophysicists are actively participating.

The previous meetings were:
* IK15 - July 3-7, 2017 - Seoul, South Korea
* IK14 - July 20-24, 2015 - Pescara, Italy
* IK13 - July 15-19, 2013 - Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
* IK12 - July 4-8, 2011 - Pescara, Italy
* IK11 - November 2-4, 2009 - Seoul, South Korea
* IK10 - June 25-30, 2007 – Pescara
* IK 9 – July 19-24, 2005 – Sogang University, Seoul
* IK 8 - 18 August 2003 - 23 August 2003, Rome - Pescara, Italy
* IK 7 - July 23rd - 28th 2001 - Inje University, Kimhae, Korea and Kangwha Island
* IK 6 - July 12 - 24, 1999 - Rome and Pescara, Italy
* IK 5 - August 1997 - Korea
* IK 4 - July 1995, 10-15 - Rome University - Gran Sasso Laboratory - Pescara
* IK 3 - July 1991 - Ewha Woman's University - Seoul
* IK 2 - July 1989 - Rome University - Limone Piemonte
* IK 1 - September 1987 - Seoul - Sorak Montain